Recently, I’ve been brainstorming plot and character ideas for my next project and, as such, have been researching as much as I can about the process. The first time around I did everything by ear (ie. I tried whatever came to mind and determined what worked by trial and error). This time, however, I want to be a little bit more organised.
Anyway, yesterday I came across something that made me smile – advice from Holly Lisle to find pictures of people I can model my characters on. Why did this tickle my fancy, you ask? Well, because when I wrote my first WIP, I had a very clear idea of who my main character’s love interest looked like. In fact, when I first started writing (and learning how to use photoshop), I even made fan art with him posing as the sweet, rambunctious Aiden MacEachan.
But before I confess all, I’ll give you a hint…
Who comes to mind when you think – tall, fit, red-headed, with a cheeky smile and mischievous character to match?
Why, Prince Harry, of course!
Now stick a MacLean kilt on him, and you’ve got Aiden MacEachan…

Here is a wallpaper I created back in 2009, featuring Prince Harry as Aiden and Mélanie Thierry as Boudica…
Yes, I am officially blushing now, but I am sure you will agree, Prince Harry makes the perfect highland spunk — with a dark side!